What is the story behind the origin of Lake Inawashiro's Okinajima Island? [Fukushima Prefecture]

Lake Inawashiro is a famous tourist spot in Fukushima Prefecture. Many people have probably heard of it. In fact, there is an island called Okinajima in Lake Inawashiro, and a mysterious anecdote remains about it

This time, we will introduce the story behind the origin of Okinashima and some recommended spots to visit when touring the area around Lake Inawashiro

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Where is Okinajima located in Lake Inawashiro?

Okinashima Island is located in Oaza Okinashima, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, and is located in the northwestern part of Lake Inawashiro when viewed from above. It is a small island that stands alone in the vast Lake Inawashiro, with a circumference of 49 km and an area of ​​approximately 104 square km

The view of Okinashima Island from National Route 49, which runs along Lake Inawashiro, is said to be the most spectacular along the route

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What is the surprising anecdote that gave rise to the name "Okinajima"?

There are several anecdotes about the origin of Okishima, and here we will introduce two of the most popular ones

①Anecdote about calling it Okinashima

The origin of Okishima is an anecdote related to Kobo Daishi Kukai

One day, long ago, a dirty monk was walking alone through a deserted village at the foot of Mount Bandai. The monk was thirsty, so he stopped at a house and asked for a glass of water. The beautiful woman who was staying at the house coldly refused his request, saying, "Monk, there is a severe water shortage around here."

The monk left and walked for a while, and then he came across a rather ugly woman on the bank of the river, using a small amount of water to wash rice. The monk approached her and said, "Um, could you please give me some of the water you used to wash rice?" The woman replied, "Please, please have as much as you like," and gave him all of the little bit of water she had

The monk was moved by the woman's beautiful heart and lamented the village's water shortage. The next morning, water had spread all around, and before he knew it, a large lake had formed. Furthermore, the house of the beautiful woman who was so stingy with the water became an isolated island in the lake, while the house of the woman who shared her water was conveniently located on the lake's shore. It is said that the monk was actually Kobo Daishi Kukai

②Anecdote about calling it Okinashima

Another famous anecdote that is said to be the reason why the island came to be called Okinashima involves Kobo Daishi Kukai

In this anecdote, the monk also visits the village, but is refused water by many of the villagers. After that, only a poor old man gives him water, and the monk leaves the village saying, "Good fortune will come to you if you never forget your compassion."

Three days later, Mount Bandai suddenly erupted, and the village sank to the bottom of Lake Inawashiro. However, the area around the house of the old man who shared the water remained unsubmerged and became an island. It is said that the island came to be called "Okinajima" (Okina Island) because an old man (Okina) lived on it

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Can I go to Okinajima? Can I not?

Currently, Okinajima is uninhabited and landing on it is prohibited. There used to be a tourist boat that passed by the island, but this has now been discontinued

However, Okinoshima is an island when Lake Inawashiro is full, and is connected to the mainland during the dry season, so although you cannot actually go there, it is still attractive to be able to enjoy the differences depending on the season

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Introducing tourist spots around Okinashima

For those who want to visit Ogishima and Lake Inawashiro, we will introduce two recommended tourist spots in the area

The Fukushima Prefectural Guest House (formerly the Takamatsu Imperial Prince's Okishima Villa) overlooks Okishima Island

On a small hill overlooking Okinajima Island on the northwestern shore of Lake Inawashiro, stands the "Fukushima Prefecture Guest House (formerly the Takamatsu-no-miya Okinajima Villa)." Although it is called the "Okinajima Villa," the building is not actually on Okinajima Island, but rather a villa associated with the imperial family, built in a location overlooking Okinajima Island from the lakeshore

The Fukushima Prefectural Guest House was built in 1922 (Taisho 11) by Prince Takamatsu Nobuhito, the third son of Emperor Taisho, as a place for his wife, Princess Yasuko Arisugawa, to rest and recuperate. Although there was already a Western-style building called "Tenkyokaku" nearby, it is said that the Fukushima Guest House was built as a purely Japanese-style villa, with the natural landscape incorporated into the garden, out of consideration for Princess Yasuko

Later, in 1952, it was bestowed upon Fukushima Prefecture by Prince Takamatsu, and is now preserved as the Fukushima Prefectural Guest House. The three buildings—the entrance hall, living room, and kitchen—are valuable architectural structures that well preserve the appearance of a Japanese-style residence for the imperial family during the Taisho period, and were designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1999

Garden tours and special viewings of the building's interior are sometimes offered. Since the opening periods and tour methods vary from year to year, please check the official website for the latest information before visiting

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Okinashima Port Marina

Okinajima Port Marina is a facility on the shores of Lake Inawashiro that is primarily used as a storage area for jet skis and boats. There is also a cafe restaurant within the facility, and we recommend spending some relaxing time on the terrace while looking out at the lake

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Bandai Plateau Minamigaoka Ranch

Bandai Kogen Minamigaoka Ranch is located about a 15-minute drive from Okinajima Island, and is a popular spot for families with free admission and parking. There are various animals, including goats and horses, and the scenery is beautiful, making it a great place to reflect

Another attraction is the opportunity to experience making ice cream using fresh milk

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Let's visit Okinashima, a place with many anecdotes

This time, we've introduced the story behind Okishima, an isolated island in Lake Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture, as well as the tourist spots in the area. You can't land on the island, but the views from the national highway are spectacular, so it's recommended as a driving course

There are also tourist attractions in the surrounding area, so why not use it for a date or family outing on the weekend?

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